In the spirit of unity and diversity through a rich programme that brought together environmental, sports, educational, and cultural activities, the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, the Ministry of European Affairs, and the Municipality of Nikšić marked Europe Day.
The highlight of the vibrant celebration mosaic was “European Tour – Games Without Frontiers”, a joyful and inclusive activity that gathered pupils from Nikšić’s primary schools, promoting team spirit, solidarity, and European values.
The celebration began with a green volunteer action by Nikšić preschoolers at the Bedem Fortress, titled “Teach Me How to Garden.” Bedem Fest organised the action in cooperation with the public preschool “Dragan Kovačević”, Nikšić Museums and Galleries, the Nikšić Tourism Organisation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The central celebration took place at Liberty Square, where “Games Without Frontiers” were ceremoniously opened. The programme brought together 7th grade and 8th grade pupils from the primary schools “Ratko Žarić”, “Mileva Lajović Lalatović”, “Olga Golović”, and “Milija Nikčević”.
During his opening speech at the ceremony, Mayor of Nikšić Marko Kovačević congratulated Europe Day and Victory Day. He also recalled that the city beneath Mount Trebjesa is a European Capital of Culture 2030 finalist.
“From Nikšić, we wish to send a clear message: through fair play, healthy competition, and mutual respect, we can achieve better outcomes, create new opportunities, and build a more resilient community. All of this is possible without the artificial boundaries imposed on us – boundaries we are dismantling together through play and goodwill, making our society, and Europe as a whole, a better place to live,” said Kovačević.
Gianandrea Villa, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, emphasised the crucial role of local communities in the European integration process.
“European integration doesn’t happen only in Podgorica or Brussels. It takes place here, in your town, where good governance, a clean environment, quality education, and real opportunities must reach every citizen. Your presence today confirms that European values are not just ideals on paper but a reality we live through sport, community, environmental care, and local development,” said Villa.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević highlighted that celebrating Europe Day is not just about marking an important date but also about remembering and embracing the universal values of the European Union: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“Our task is to ensure that every child, whether growing up in Nikšić, Podgorica, or Rožaje, has equal access to the opportunities offered by the EU – knowledge, exchanges, and possibilities. That is the essence of the European idea: that every child, anywhere in Europe, can dream big and fulfil those dreams in a free, just, and united society,” the Minister said.
A special guest at the event was Boško Drašković, a successful boxer from Nikšić, whose presence and support for the “Games Without Frontiers” participants further inspired the youth to cherish sportsmanship and perseverance.
“As a former Olympic athlete, I can tell you that sport is an excellent example of what we can achieve when we work together, regardless of our differences. Europe is the cradle of many sporting achievements as well as cultural exchanges. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come,” said Drašković.
The most impressive performance during the “Games Without Frontiers” was by the pupils of “Mileva Lajović Lalatović” Primary School, who won first place and received medals and awards.
Europe Day was also marked by the conference “European Capital of Culture and EU Integration”, which gathered relevant cultural stakeholders from EU Member States. Additionally, the city gained a new EU info point, “EU i tačka”, located in the Nikšić Municipal Building. This info point was launched through the “Municipalities for EU” project. The aim is to provide citizens with up-to-date information on the EU, funds, policies, and accession opportunities.
Europe Day celebration in Nikšić was also attended by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue, Naida Nišić. This event was organised within the framework of the European Tour. European Tour is the activity which the Ministry of European Affairs is organising in six Montenegrin municipalities (Nikšič on 9 May, Žabljak on 13 May, Pljevlja on 14 May, Berane on 15 May, Petnjica on 16 May, and Bar on 20 May). The European Tour is part of a broader programme jointly implemented by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and the Ministry of European Affairs in collaboration with the projects: Europe House, EU4ME, and Municipalities for EU, taking place from 3 to 30 May across Montenegro.